The Science Behind the Guayusa Leaf and it's amazing benefits
Learn all about the guayusa leaf’s compounds that make it nature’s ultimate superfood! This natural remedy has been validated and used for herbal health for generations, it’s so much more than just a drink.
The guayusa plant is native to the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest, and the tree that flowers the guayusa leaf grows more than 5 meters tall at elevations of up to 2000 meters. These bright green leaves are harvested by carefully folding and threading them with a needle to string them up to dry. Once ready, they are stored to stay fresh, where they are enjoyed like tea.
Guauysa’s Benefits: Boost your body and mind
These leaves naturally contain caffeine, and as an alkaloid, won’t leave you feeling like you’ve crashed, or give you those anxious jitters. A single serving (2 grams) of guayusa tea brewed and steeped for 6-8 minutes produces 41 mg of caffeine.
Antioxidants are also abundant in the guayusa leaf. They can reduce your risk of heart disease and work to remove free radicals, think of these as rust your body creates. Antioxidants boost your digestive health by supporting the kidneys and intestines to help eliminate these free radicals.
The combination of natural caffeine and these antioxidants help promote healthy cognitive functioning, focus and boost mental clarity.
Boost your mood for stress free productivity
L-Theanines are key in creating the energy found in guayusa because it helps in the production of dopamine, the hormone that makes us happy and keeps us calm. It also increases focus, improves memory and our ability to learn.
Blood sugar regulation and digestive support
Beyond this, the leaves are packed with chlorogenic and amino acids which are found in cocoa, and offer mood-enhancing effects, boosting metabolism while lowering blood pressure. While providing a natural energy for both your mind and body, drinking it regularly can sooth your digestive system.
Added health benefits
Saponins, Flavonoids, and Polyphenols: They strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation.
Phenolic compounds: Protect tissues in the body against oxidative stress.
Carotenoid compounds: Beneficial antioxidants that protect the body from disease and enhance the immune system.
Finally, guayusa is light in flavor and free of tannins, gone are the days of bad breath and stained teeth.
Overview of Guayusa’s Benefits:
- Natural caffeine for energy and alertness (5.12 mg/per fl oz).
- Antioxidants for cellular health like phenolic and carotenoid compounds that prevent diseases.
- L-Theanine for stress free productivity
- Theobromine for calm energy
- Chlorogenic and amino acids for digestive support and blood sugar regulation.
- Saponins, Flavonoids, and Polyphenols for extra immune support
If you’re looking for something new, or the true alternative to traditional forms of caffeine then consider guayusa. Aside from offering a host of nutritious compounds, it’s been tried and tested through hundreds of years of preparation, consumption and rituals.
Additional resources and studies about the guayusa leaf:
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Phenolic and carotenoid composition and antioxidant capacity
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